Macomb looking at new sports complex

[ST_Lawson]

Still in the VERY early stages, but the city is looking into the possibility of building a sports complex: https://www.wgem.com/2024/09/18/macomb- ... s-complex/
Depending on what they do decide to build, I wonder if WIU might be able to use some of the facilities (like if there's an indoor component). I'd imagine that if they ended up doing something like that, they'd probably just purchase the field east of Veterans Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/H1ajrdhk14HxMcNu5) and expand out that way.

Another semi-related idea (that wouldn't necessarily require any additional facilities) is that they could try to do something like a regional baseball or softball tournament. They could play most of their games at Veteran's Park, which currently has 8 fields, and the championship game at either Boyer or McKee Stadium (WIU's baseball and softball stadiums).

[rocki]

Sounds like a major tax increase to me. Not a fan.

[sealhall74]

From a distance, it looks like Macomb needs "Mo' Pickleball" facilities.
 

[vatusay]

Yea that’s a no for me, dawg. 

our property taxes are already some of the highest in the state. 

[ST_Lawson]

Just so everyone is aware, McDonough county's property tax rates are pretty much right in the middle for counties in Illinois. In 2022, we were 58th out of 102 Illinois counties.

There is also a non-binding advisory question on the Illinois ballot this November that says "Advise state officials on whether to amend the Illinois Constitution to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1 million for the purpose of dedicating funds to property tax relief."

So, regardless of which side of the issue you are on, those are some things to be aware of when it comes to property taxes.

[rocki]

Just so everyone is aware, McDonough county's property tax rates are pretty much right in the middle for counties in Illinois. In 2022, we were 58th out of 102 Illinois counties.

There is also a non-binding advisory question on the Illinois ballot this November that says "Advise state officials on whether to amend the Illinois Constitution to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1 million for the purpose of dedicating funds to property tax relief."

So, regardless of which side of the issue you are on, those are some things to be aware of when it comes to property taxes.

 

They may be in the "middle", but they're still darned high! And what's the catch with the 3% on millionaires? I am nowhere near one, but knowing IL it will still bite me in the butt somehow. I have no confidence in our state government. None.

[bignecks]

Breaking: if you want nice things in your community you have to pay more taxes

[ST_Lawson]

Just so everyone is aware, McDonough county's property tax rates are pretty much right in the middle for counties in Illinois. In 2022, we were 58th out of 102 Illinois counties.

There is also a non-binding advisory question on the Illinois ballot this November that says "Advise state officials on whether to amend the Illinois Constitution to create an additional 3% tax on income greater than $1 million for the purpose of dedicating funds to property tax relief."

So, regardless of which side of the issue you are on, those are some things to be aware of when it comes to property taxes.

They may be in the "middle", but they're still darned high! And what's the catch with the 3% on millionaires? I am nowhere near one, but knowing IL it will still bite me in the butt somehow. I have no confidence in our state government. None.

That's 3% on income over $1 million in a year, not on "millionaires" (people with a net worth of over $1 million). You could be making $500k/year, living in a 3 million dollar house in Naperville, have 10 million in retirement savings, and this tax would still not touch you. It's also a marginal tax, so if, say, someone made $1,001,000 in a year, the increased 3% would be on just the $1000 that is past $1 million, which is $30 (thirty dollars).

Breaking: if you want nice things in your community you have to pay more taxes
 

Yup. We want nice things that bring in more people to our community...visitors here for sports tournaments (and associated tourism dollars), permanent residents who like what we offer...we have to chip in a bit to pay for them. The alternative is to just let the town continue the downward spiral.

[vatusay]

Constantly increasing property taxes also drives people out of town.  I can buy a house twice what I paid for mine in other areas of central illinois and have the same property tax payment I currently do.  I’d say Macomb has a “Champagne taste on a beer budget” problem.   

People will only put up with so much.  I’d be curious to see a poll of community who would support a fancy new sports facility at 10-15 million. Poll only property owners. Or pose the same question to renters but their monthly rent increases $50 a month. 

 
 

[rocki]

Constantly increasing property taxes also drives people out of town.  I can buy a house twice what I paid for mine in other areas of central illinois and have the same property tax payment I currently do.  I’d say Macomb has a “Champagne taste on a beer budget” problem.   

People will only put up with so much.  I’d be curious to see a poll of community who would support a fancy new sports facility at 10-15 million. Poll only property owners. Or pose the same question to renters but their monthly rent increases $50 a month. 

 
 

 

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